‘His and hers’ can lead to a happier home

For couples, the idea of living together can seem exciting, romantic and adventurous. And it can be, unless you let everyday clutter get in the way. Arguments over space, messes and bad habits can sometimes get in the way of being able to enjoy each other’s company. Almost everyone has experienced these issues at one point, so I’m sure you all would agree that it’s no fun to argue about such nit-picky things. Since Valentine’s Day isn’t too far off, this might be the perfect time to start some home improvement projects intended to make your life as a couple happier.

Even though you are sharing a home, no couple wants to share everything. That’s why the idea of “his and hers” comes in handy when organizing your home. Look for opportunities and design strategies that can separate your stuff from your partner’s. Let’s first take a look at strategies for the bathroom, a room that tends to get dirty quickly, be filled to the brim with products (ladies: I’m looking at you), and is overall a difficult place to share without occasionally butting heads. Here, I’d suggest installing a double sink unit complete with separate storage cabinets and drawers. These units can look luxurious while separating each person’s bathroom items.

Storing toiletries in drawers will free up counter space, make the bathroom look more spacious and ensure that neither person feels crunched for storage. If your master bathroom is simply one large, open space, I’d also suggest installing some sort of privacy screen by the toilet, if you don’t have one already.

Some men share a closet with their partner. Because of their convenience, his and her closets are becoming extremely popular in new homes. It’s possible to convert unused corner space into an extra closet, so this might be a weekend project you’d like to investigate.

Another commonly shared room is the home office. If you feel that your office is too cluttered or disorganized, it might be a good idea to invest in a few pieces of new furniture. Consider equipping the room with two small desks, instead of one. With two desks, you’ll have more storage possibilities and a separate workspace that’s all your own. Organize the odds and ends around using dual bookshelves or file cabinets.

Bringing two separate lives together isn’t always easy. Luckily, smart home design can alleviate some of the most common squabbles.